Quebec Man Pleads Guilty to Setting 14 Wildfires

Brian Paré, who propagated conspiracy theories about government-set fires, admits to arson spree that forced hundreds from their homes.

Brian Paré, a 38-year-old Quebec man, has pleaded guilty to setting 14 fires in the region, two of which led to the evacuation of around 500 homes.
Paré was initially suspected due to his unusual interest in the fires and his social media posts, which propagated conspiracy theories that the government was deliberately setting fires to trick people into believing in climate change.
Police were able to track Paré's movements using a tracking device on his vehicle, which showed he was present at locations where fires were started.
Upon his arrest on September 7, Paré admitted to starting nine of the fires, claiming he was conducting tests to determine if the forest was really dry.
A pre-sentencing report assessing Paré's mental state and the risk he poses to public safety is due by April 22.